Lakeland takes 3A indoor track championship
Published 10:07 pm Thursday, February 16, 2017
Lakeland High School’s boys’ track team won the 3A East indoor regional track and field championship Wednesday at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton.
The team had impressive performances all around to take the regional championship in the second year under Brian Rountree’s direction. Last week in the Conference 27 championship, Lakeland was the runner-up by two points.
“I’m proud of those guys. They went all out in a total team effort and pulled together. They worked extremely hard,” Rountree said. “They added the points up, and we’re the regional champs. Everyone played a part in it, from the coaches to the parents to the fans.”
Deondre Little and Darren Daughtrey had record-breaking performances for the Cavs on Wednesday. Little set a meet record in the 300-meter dash with a time of 35.52. Daughtrey set a meet record in the 55-meter hurdle with a time of 7.56.
Along with those performances, the Cavs won the 4×200 relay that consisted of Daughtrey, Little, Teshun Pierre and Tyriq Rawlings. Lakeland was second in the 4×400. The 4×800 team, consisting of Donell Blount, Travis Copeland, Diamonte Moore and Nate Edgehill, placed third.
Daughtrey finished fourth in the 300-meter dash. Littles also finished fourth in the 55-meter dash. Alphonso Randolph finished second in the high-jump and fourth in the 55-meter hurdle. Pierre finished second in the long jump. Garrett Whitley placed second in the shot put.
“This was a great accomplishment,” Daughtrey said. “It feels good to bring back the regional trophy. We have to work extra hard to make sure we bring back the state trophy.”
On the girls’ side, Lakeland had three participants, and two have qualified for state competition. Loren Biggs jumped a personal-best 17-9.5 in the long jump and finished third. Enicia Hopes qualified for states in the 55-meter hurdles and triple-jump.
Rountree and the boys’ team are not satisfied with just the regional championship. They have their eyes set on the state championship as well. The state meet will be held Feb. 24-25 at Roanoke College.
“We have one down and one more to go,” Rountree said. “We’re going to take some time to recharge and get back at it next week.”
“It feels good running for coach Rountree,” Daughtrey said. “He gets everyone prepared, and he also helps us to remain confident before every meet and race.”